Success Story I

"भैया! आपको मैं Paytm पर पैसे भेज दूँ?" 

...asked a familiar voice close behind me. 

I turned and saw Pinki didi from our housekeeping staff. 

It was quite impressive to see her getting ready to pay online with such confidence. Just a few weeks ago, she was attending sessions on digital literacy under 'Project स्वावलम्बन' where she and other didis were trying to play with their cell phones and learn a few tricks including how to use their cell phones for digital payments as well. 

Even I sensed a 'surprised look' on Ashwani Baiya's face, behind the counter, who was perhaps not expecting an online transaction from her. 

Though I could see Pinki didi struggling over her phone screen a little bit in the beginning, and Pooja Khanna guiding her with a few initial steps; in the meanwhile, Ashwani Baiya offered full discount on her purchase (one chocolate ice cream). 

Maybe he wanted to offer her a reward for her upgraded digital skills. 

In a few seconds, we all heard Paytm machine announcing, "Payment received." ...and this announcement brought smiles to everyone's face as if we all witnessed something amazing. 

I requested Pinki didi for a picture and she confidently posed along with her 'self-earned' chocolate ice cream with a big winning smile :)